Kenya gets Sh14b aid from Japan

July 26, 2010

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By SIMON NDONGA, NAIROBI, Kenya, July 26 – The government has received a Sh14.3 billion loan aid from Japan for the Mwea irrigation Development Project and the improvement of the water supply system in Embu.

Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said on Monday that out of this amount, Sh12.11 billion will go to the Mwea irrigation development Project to enhance the scheme through the construction of irrigation and drainage facilities to promote irrigation as a way of increasing agricultural production and food security.

The deputy Premier stated that a project to improve water supply in Embu will receive Sh2.18 billion to be used for construction and operation of water supply and related facilities.

“The project will provide clean and adequate water to a large population in that region. The civil works that will be undertaken include the construction of a new water treatment plant, service rewww.capitalfm.co.keirs, water distribution pipes as well as rehabilitation of the water intake facility,” he said. “This project will also develop the capacity of the water service provider on the proper use and management of water resources.”

Mr Kenyatta said that the support received from Japan was well aligned to the country’s development priorities and objectives.

He stated that the projects that have benefited from the support are not only visible, but were critical to the economic growth of the country.

He outlined some projects that have benefited from Japanese aid; the construction of the Nyali Bridge, Mtwapa, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

The Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Shigeo Iwatani said the two projects will bolster the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries.

“Our overall cooperation with Kenya in all sectors to date amounts to over Sh330 billion mainly channeled to support various development and humanitarian projects with emphasis on economic growth and poverty reduction,” he stated.

The Finance Minister also said the passage of the new Constitution will improve the economy of the country due to increased investor confidence.

The Deputy Premier said key Institutions will be strengthened and productivity will rise thus increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

“It is my hope and total belief that this Constitution will pass because if it does not pass, things will continue and nothing will stop in Kenya. But definitely, the benefits of passing the new Constitution to the stability of the country is no mean achievement,” he said.

He called on Kenyans to support the proposed new law as it will bring about change in the country.

“We all believe and accept that the passage of the constitution will have a major impact on not just the stability of the country but also in terms of our own economic growth, it will bring about an increased level of confidence from both local and foreign investors,” he stated.